Creative Perspectives with Ferne Jacobs
This small group workshop will be for anyone who has taken beginning fiber techniques previously. Those who have learned weaving and off-loom fiber techniques from other teachers are welcome. The intention is for students to be working on a piece of their choice or starting one from scratch. The group will discuss creative approaches for pushing the piece forward and each person will receive individual attention.
Ferne will work with students for the day, advancing the skills from various techniques the students have already learned. Basic technique will not be taught. Discussion and exploration of the creative process and development of forms will be the focus, expanding the technical knowledge already gained.
Students will provide their own materials.
The workshop fee is $125.00. Limit of 9 students.
Parking: Since most of the parking in the area has a two hour limit, the most convenient option is to pay to park at the Beverly Connection less than a block west on W. Third Street. Handicapped parking is available behind Freehand.
![Coiled Wax Linen](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_4979edit.jpg)
![Knotted and wrapped nylon, straw, various threads, shells, bead](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_4963edit.jpg)
Iroquois Embroidery & Raised Beadwork with Brittany Kiertzner
Delve into the rich traditions of Iroquois symbols through embroidery and raised beadwork techniques. Participants will be introduced to the cultural significance and history behind traditional intricate motifs and learn how to incorporate them into their creations. Kiertzner’s expertise and passion for preserving and sharing these artistic practices will provide students with a deep appreciation for the artistry and heritage of the Iroquois people.
In this hands-on workshop, students will have the opportunity to create a mixed-media artwork. Utilizing traditional Iroquois beadwork techniques on an 8 x 10″ stretched canvas (with a prepared wash), participants will compose and stitch a piece that reflects their personal style while honoring the cultural roots of the craft. This experience will not only to enhance students’ artistic skills but also foster a deeper understanding of and connection to the continuing Iroquois cultural legacy.
Workshop fee: $125—materials included.
Brittany Kiertzner is a mixed media and textile artist working in Southern California. Kiertzner studied fine art at California State University Fullerton and is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. She explores critical materials that reframe her personal history into a contemporary context. Through a dynamic interplay of woven and stitched threads, her work is influenced by traditional Mohawk Iroquois splint basket making, embroidery and raised beadwork. She investigates themes of regeneration, authenticity and subversion of materials through synthesizing the past. Kiertzner has shown her mixed media and textile-based work extensively in solo and juried exhibitions in California since 2007. She maintains a studio in Claremont, California.
![Iroquois embroidery on canvas](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kiertzner-embroidery-example.jpeg)
Frame Loom Weaving with Lesley Kice-Nishigawara
Learn how to weave on a frame loom, a small portable way to weave. The frame loom is used by artist Sheila Hicks to create her small Minime weavings. This workshop will take participants through the process of weaving on a frame loom including setting up the loom (warping), weaving with a tapestry technique to create images and/or patterns, and finishing a weaving.
Looms and tools for weaving are included in the price, participants can bring home a loom with them after the workshop. Yarn will be available to use although participants are encouraged to bring unconventional materials to weave with also. Students will need to bring their own scissors. Open to those 14 years of age and older. Workshop fee is $150.
Parking: Since most of the parking in the area has a two hour limit, the most convenient option is to pay to park at the Beverly Connection less than a block west on W. Third Street. Handicapped parking is available behind Freehand.
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/frame-loom-1024x949.jpeg)
Craft Circle
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Craft-Circle-graphic-1024x1024.jpg)
The Craft in America Center has been holding a recurring Craft Circle gathering. This is a time to work on a smallish, hand-held project in community with others. Sessions will begin with a prompt as a jumping off point to inform the conversation and making, plus we will offer a curated selection of craft-art books and periodicals for inspiration. Bringing a note- or sketchbook is encouraged! Please bring a relatively mess-free project that doesn’t require a lot of clean up or water.
Free to all ages! Maximum of 15 attendees. Save your seat by emailing rsvp@craftinamerica.org.
Craft Circle
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Craft-Circle-graphic-1024x1024.jpg)
The Craft in America Center is launching a recurring Craft Circle gathering. This is a time to work on a smallish, hand-held project in community with others. Sessions will begin with a prompt as a jumping off point to inform the conversation and making, plus we will offer a curated selection of craft-art books and periodicals for inspiration. Bringing a note- or sketchbook is encouraged! Please bring a relatively mess-free project that doesn’t require a lot of clean up or water.
Free to all ages! Maximum of 15 attendees. Save your seat by emailing rsvp@craftinamerica.org.
Iroquois Raised Beadwork with Brittany Kiertzner
Discover the rich tradition of Iroquois nation raised beadwork tracing back to the 19th century. Delve into the intricate artistry often seen on fancy pincushions where glass glass beads adorn velvet, a hallmark of Mohawk Iroquois craftsmanship in the Montreal area. Since the late 19th to early 20th century, raised beadwork has been known to reach heights of up to two inches. This process involves placing glass seed beads that over paper patterns, which are then attached to sumptuous fabrics like wool or velvet, to create the stunning raised effect.
In this workshop, participants will create and embellish pin cushions filled with fragrant sweet grass and pine sawdust. Inspired by the legacy of Iroquois beadworkers who once sold these creations at renowned tourist destinations, such as Saratoga Springs and Niagara Falls, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to create keepsakes that echo the ingenuity and aesthetic of this Indigenous tradition.
Workshop fee: $125.
Brittany Kiertzner is a mixed media and textile artist working in Southern California. Kiertzner studied fine art at California State University Fullerton and is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. She explores critical materials that reframe her personal history into a contemporary context. Through a dynamic interplay of woven and stitched threads, her work is influenced by traditional Mohawk Iroquois splint basket making, embroidery and raised beadwork. She investigates themes of regeneration, authenticity and subversion of materials through synthesizing the past. Kiertzner has shown her mixed media and textile-based work extensively in solo and juried exhibitions in California since 2007. She maintains a studio in Claremont, California.
![Kiertzner, raised beadworks](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kiertzner-raised-beadwork-4.jpeg)
![Kiertzner, raised beadworks](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kiertzner-raised-beadwork-5.jpeg)
Creative Perspectives with Ferne Jacobs
This small group workshop will be for anyone who has taken beginning fiber techniques previously. Those who have learned weaving and off-loom fiber techniques from other teachers are welcome. The intention is for students to be working on a piece of their choice or starting one from scratch. The group will discuss creative approaches for pushing the piece forward and each person will receive individual attention.
Ferne will work with students for the day, advancing the skills from various techniques the students have already learned. Basic technique will not be taught. Discussion and exploration of the creative process and development of forms will be the focus, expanding the technical knowledge already gained.
Students will provide their own materials.
The workshop fee is $125.00. Limit of 9 students.
Parking: Since most of the parking in the area has a two hour limit, the most convenient option is to pay to park at the Beverly Connection less than a block west on W. Third Street. Handicapped parking is available behind Freehand.
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_4979edit.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_4963edit.jpg)
Craft Circle
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Craft-Circle-graphic-1024x1024.jpg)
The Craft in America Center is launching a recurring Craft Circle gathering. This is a time to work on a smallish, hand-held project in community with others. Sessions will begin with a prompt as a jumping off point to inform the conversation and making, plus we will offer a curated selection of craft-art books and periodicals for inspiration. Bringing a note- or sketchbook is encouraged! Please bring a relatively mess-free project that doesn’t require a lot of clean up or water.
Free to all ages! Maximum of 10 attendees. Save your seat by emailing rsvp@craftinamerica.org.
Our next event will be Saturday April 20, 10:00am-1:00pm.
Beginning Twining with Carrie Burckle
In this workshop, participants will explore a variety of basketry beginning and finishing techniques, as well as constructing and shaping sculptural form through methods of adding and subtracting. Twining is a traditional basketry process referred to as off-loom weaving; it is a methodical, and rhythmic weaving process that relies on one’s ability to manipulate a weaver around a group of stakes or spokes. Twining easily lends itself to making curvilinear forms.
We will use Danish Cord as it builds form quickly and its flexibility allows easy manipulation.
The fee for the workshop is $100, materials included. Maximum participants is 10.
The workshop has filled. Please email victoria@craftinamerica.org if you would like to be put on a waiting list.
Carrie Burckle is a multifaceted artist, lecturer, and educator based in Los Angeles. With an extensive background in Textiles, she earned her BFA and MFA from California State University Long Beach, where she now imparts her knowledge as a faculty member in the Fiber Program. Her work has been widely exhibited, most recently at the Craft in America Center. She is professionally associated with California Fibers, The Textile Society of America, the Surface Design Association and the Hand Weavers Guild of America. She gives lectures and workshops on a wide range of topics. In 2023 she co-curated the well-received exhibit Connective Threads with Jo Lauria at the Palos Verdes Art Center.
As the director and co-founder of Textile Arts Los Angeles, Carrie champions the intersection of art and education. A dedicated lifelong learner, she finds great satisfaction in sharing her expertise.
Crocheted Waterproof Jewelry with Debra Weiss
Learn to make a delicate but strong waterproof necklace by crocheting two strands of colored fishing line together. Participants will customize with beads and fabric details as embellishment and learn how to finish off the necklace with a sliding knot closure.
This kind of accessory is perfect for traveling, when you want something beautiful and custom, but not too valuable or something that will set off a metal detector.
Workshop fee: $75. Supplies and tools provided for use in class to complete a necklace, including beads.
Parking: Since most of the parking in the area has a two hour limit, the most convenient option is to pay to park at the Beverly Connection less than a block west on W. Third Street. Handicapped parking is available behind Freehand.
Debra Weiss is a textile artist who has been fabric collaging and stitching for over 50 years. As a young girl in the 1960’s she learned to sew, crochet, cook and bake from her mother. In her 20’s, she graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in textile design. In her 40’s she started Rebe, a clothing design business, now called Specks and Keepings. In her 60’s she joined California Fibers and began exhibiting and teaching.
![Craft in America, Debra Weiss](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Weiss-crocheted-necklace.jpeg)